Arthur Kleinberg passed away on January 5 at the age of 84 following a nearly five-year battle with leukemia. Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Eileen, as well as his son Bennett and his wife, Elaine; his son Adam and his wife Gloria; his son Harry and his wife Helen; and his five precious grandchildren Mara, Aliza, Natalie, Jack and Eden.
Born in the Bronx, Arthur was a psychiatric social worker at the Essex County Hospital Center, one of the largest psychiatric facilities in New Jersey, for more than 26 years. He was an adjunct professor of sociology and social work at Bloomfield College, Caldwell College, Montclair State University and Ramapo College.
A veteran, who served in Europe as a medic from 1954-56, Arthur further served his community as the director of social services for the town of Verona, where he lived for more than 50 years. Arthur dedicated his life to helping the most vulnerable members of society and taught others that the destitute, poor and mentally ill should always be treated with dignity and respect.
A lifelong learner who always seemed to have strong opinions about everything, Arthur earned a bachelor’s degree from City College of New York, a master of social work degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and a master’s in public administration from Kean University.
Arthur was a sweet, loving man who built lifelong friendships and enjoyed endlessly dancing with his wife at every wedding and bar mitzvah they could attend. He wanted nothing more in life than to slowly eat an extra-large cone of chocolate chip ice cream with his wife and five grandchildren by his side at his summer home in New Hampshire.
Contributions in Arthur’s memory can be made to Temple Sholom of West Essex where he was a proud and an active member since 1973.
